Rip Current Advisory Issued for Ocean County Beaches Thursday-Friday

A rip current captured by Shorebeat’s cameras off Brick Township, Sept. 2023. (Photo: Shorebeat)

The National Weather Service is warning of a heightened risk of rip currents at local beaches Thursday and Friday.

Dangerous rip currents are expected to be present in Ocean County during the day, with the advisory lasting until 8 p.m. Thursday – likely to be extended.

“Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water,” a notice issued by the NWS said. “Swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and float. Don`t swim against the current. If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.”

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According to the NWS Surf Zone forecast, the rip current risk Friday will be “high” with waves in the surf building to 3-4 feet. South-southeast winds of 10 m.p.h. are expected, with the ocean water temperature remaining in the high 60s. High tide occurs at about 3:12 p.m.

Rip currents, likewise, are forecast to be “moderate” on Friday with wave heights in the surf zone measuring 2-3 feet.

A rip current captured by Shorebeat’s cameras off Brick Township, Sept. 2023. (Photo: Shorebeat)

A high risk of rip currents means that life-threatening rips are “likely” in the surf zone, while a moderate risk means they are “possible,” according to the NWS forecast.